“The spirituality underlying our ministry is the conviction that AIDS is not just a medical problem for us as pastors. Its prevention and treatment, as well as the human and spiritual accompaniment of sick people, pose a pastoral problem too. The presence of AIDS in the Church community demands that we change our attitude towards the acceptance of others. We are not called simply to be charitable to those whose bodies have been affected by the virus. We belong to the community. This undeniable reality compels us to grasp the fact that, painful as it may be, the virus has entered our body. Each person touched by the mortal virus is a member of the wounded community. Thus, the entire community is called to help the member who is sick. The intrusion of AIDS into the Christian family puts charity, love and communion to the test.”

Martin Bahati SJ, DRC